Can I Be Fired for Having Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects millions of workers across California. If you are living with diabetes, you may worry whether your employer can legally terminate you because of your condition. The answer is no. California and federal laws provide important protections for workers with diabetes. If you face discrimination or are treated unfairly at work due to your medical diagnosis, you may have legal remedies available.

This guide explains your rights under disability discrimination laws, what accommodations your employer may be required to provide, how to recognize signs of discrimination, and what to do if you are fired or threatened due to diabetes.

Legal Protections for Employees with Diabetes

Both California state law and federal law provide protections for employees diagnosed with diabetes:

• California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): Prohibits employers from discriminating against workers with disabilities, including diabetes. Employers with five or more employees are covered.
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): A federal law that also prohibits disability discrimination. Applies to employers with 15 or more employees.

Under both laws, diabetes is classified as a disability. This means that employers are prohibited from terminating, demoting, or refusing to hire someone because they have diabetes or because they need accommodations to manage symptoms.

Employers are also required to engage in an “interactive process” to discuss accommodations with an employee once they are made aware of the disability.

Reasonable Accommodations for Diabetes Management

California employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with diabetes, unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. These accommodations can help you manage your condition while performing your job duties.

Examples of common accommodations include:

If you need a reasonable accommodation, you should notify your employer and provide documentation from your medical provider if requested. In most cases, the employer must engage in a good-faith dialog to determine how to support your medical needs at work.

Signs of Discrimination at Work

Disability discrimination may not always be obvious. Here are some signs that may indicate unlawful treatment based on your diabetes:

• Being denied promotions or assignments after disclosing your condition
• Negative performance reviews after requesting accommodations
• Being harassed or mocked by coworkers or supervisors due to your medical needs
• Unreasonable delays in responding to accommodation requests
• Being placed on involuntary medical leave despite being able to perform your job duties
• Sudden termination or demotion following disclosure of diabetes

If any of these situations apply to you, it may be a form of disability discrimination. Documenting what happened and when can help support your case if legal action becomes necessary.

What to Do if You Are Fired or Threatened

If your employer has fired you or threatened termination because of your diabetes, you do have the right to take action. Here are steps you can take:

• Document the incident in writing, including who was involved, what was said, and when it occurred
• Gather any emails, text messages, or write-ups related to the event
• Request the reason for termination in writing
• File a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
• Speak with a California employment attorney experienced in disability discrimination laws

You must file a claim within specific time limits. In California, you generally have three years to file a complaint with the CRD, though it is best to consult an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.

How an Employment Attorney Can Help

An experienced employment attorney can guide you through the process of asserting your rights and seeking compensation if your employer acted unlawfully. Legal representation can help you with the following:

• Gathering evidence to support your claim
• Filing your complaint with the appropriate agencies
• Negotiating for reinstatement, back pay, or a settlement
• Filing a lawsuit in court if necessary

At Miracle Mile Law Group, we focus on protecting workers across California from disability discrimination and wrongful termination. If you believe you were fired, harassed, or denied your rights due to your diabetes, our legal team can help you pursue justice.Learn more or schedule a free consultation by visiting our Disability Discrimination page.